Justice Thomas: Critics Who Don’t Read Opinions Have ‘Disease of Illiteracy or Laziness'

Justice Clarence Thomas says his colleagues remain on good terms despite their philosophical disagreements, unlike some critics of the court’s opinions.

Many of the critics have apparently never read the cases, Thomas said Tuesday evening at the Augusta Bar Association’s Law Day Banquet. The Augusta Chronicle and the Associated Press covered the speech by Thomas, who was born in nearby Pin Point.

“There are times when the people who talk theoretically about the issues that we decide, you often wonder, ‘Have they read the opinions, have they read the cases?’” Thomas said. “I think there is a disease of illiteracy or laziness, because just the commentary will tell you they haven’t read it.”

Thomas criticized commentators who are “drunk on their own opinions” and said that at some point, it’s got to stop. “I think we are reaching the point where we are beginning to undermine the integrity of the law we’re going to need,” he said.

Hat tip to How Appealing, which also links to other coverage of Thomas’ visit in the Augusta Chronicle.